IN the car business, imi- tation is not oniy the sincerest form of flat- tery, it’s the quickest way for vehicle manufac- turers to cash in on a hot design trend.

Japanese and Korean car companies offen initate design concepts originated by ieading car companies such os Mercedes: Benz and BMW,

t when the Mercesdes- Benz E-Class came out in the mid-1980s, many manufacturers, including, Hyundai. imitated the Drege tnangular-shaped taillights, a design that remains popular even today.

tn the case of the Subaru impreza Outback Sport, Subaru designers didn’t have to go very far to find a suc- cessul design. The Legacy Outback, the “world’s first sport-utility wagon,” has been 4 hor seller since it was intro- duced in the Fallof 1995, Not surprisingly, Subaru decided to try the same concept with the smaller Impreza. The first Impreza Outback was wtre- duced in mid-1996 as a trim option on the all-wheel-drive wagon model. [t inciuded the larger 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine, fwo-tone paint, roof rack, higher ride height, alloy wheels and front fog lights.

For 1997, the Impreza Outback Sport adds iarger 15 - inch tires (up from 14-inch), a huge, raised hood scoop and two additional air vents, and a more aggressive front bumper with a larger grille, Mast of these features were added for effect -— the ides was to make the Impreza Ourback look more aggressive.

9

FOR 1997, the Impreza Outhack Sport adds larger 75-inch tires (up from 14-inch), a huge, and a more aggressive frant bumper with a larger grille.

at 1235 Marine Or. (980-2464).

Horsepower on the stan- dard 2.2-fitre horizontally- opposed four-cylinder engine has been upped from 135 to 137, which is plenty of power for a vehicle of this size. From astanding start, the Impreza Outback is very responsive. really enjoved diving this car around town because it’s easy to drive, has great visibility, good brakes, and excellent maneuverability, Like most four-evlinder motors, engine noise 1s intrusive ac higher revs, and there is some wind and road noise ar highway spceds.

Fuel econemy is reason- able: 10.1 litres per 190 kits metres (28 nepye jin che city, and 7.2 litres per 100 kilome- tres (39 m.p.g.ion the high-

ISG@SE Paothlinder ME The all-new authentic sportiutility vehicle, 3.3L V6, automatic transmission, dual airbags, ABS, air conditioning, 160 watt 6 speaker AMIFM with CD player and much more!

ST# GO91 model SCLG76AE00

MSRP $31,900

: Ourtback’s cide and handling gets top marks, Nor oniy is the suspension fully independent, but all four wheels have a MacPherson strut system which provides exvellent damping and rebound control — better in my opinien than the common

MERCED

Friday, December 13, 1996 — North Shore News — 49

raised hood scoop aid two addition

an,

7° Phato submitted

al aly vers,

Test drive the new Outback at Specialty Volvo Subaru, located in North Vancouver

rear multi-fink The all drive system

continually feeds 50% of the

's power to the rear

and 50% to the froar wheels, IC's imperceptib!: on dry roads, but provides notice- ably better grip on wet and snowy roads. This is a full-time systent: vou don’t have to

move it in and out of four- wheel-drive, However, there is no low range for truly serious of road situations.

The fmpreza Ourback’s intenor is simple and attractive with a high grade seat cloth and a full complement of fea- tures as standard equipment, including: power windows and

ES BENZ OWNERS

If you wish vo sell your vehicle directly to Mercedes Benz or if vou would like a current ; y y evaluation of your vehicle, please contact the Sales Manager at your convenience.

. a

various models iefi te choose fvom

é

Over dealer invoice on all remaining Altimas

711 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, B.C. (694) 985-3311

Alt above prices are net of factory incentives. Appraiser on site to pay top dollar for trades. Extra concessions made by all chartered banks for immediate delivery & special rates, Purchase only. No feet companies. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

: $279/mo $04

door locks, 80-watt stereo, air- conditioning, power mirrors, tachometer, and a rear wiper - and washer. There are no adjustable rear head restraints. The cargo area has a sturdy tubber tray which is useful for storing wet chings, like skis, snowboards, bikes, sports equipment or outdoor equip-

See Impreza page SO

5 ms om

\ 4 Venture Pacific §

GROUP OF COMPANIES FR

VEHICLE LEAS!

* NEW & USED ¢ CARS & TR 2 ALL MAKES .

an & nen, & aH ino. leave, Te $10,000

feste, Te $14,160 & down. pha taces

lene OAC TP $43,419 §

Lr $20 582